Agent: Wizards, Bradley Beal to start contract talks
The Washington Wizards will soon begin discussions about a possible contract extension with shooting guard Bradley Beal, reports CSNWashington.com's J. Michael.
Beal’s agent Mark Bartelstein told CSNWashington that negotiations with team president Ernie Grunfeld will start soon, as early as this week.
"We had to get past that first nine or 10 days of free agency. With that chaotic period over, Ernie and I will talk and see where we are," Bartelstein told CSNWashington.
Beal is scheduled to make $5.7 million in 2015-16, the final season of a four-year rookie contract.
Washington has until Oct. 31 to sign Beal to a long-term deal or he will become a restricted free agent next season.
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So far this off-season, the Wizards have traded for veteran forward Jared Dudley; signed guard Alan Anderson to a one-year, $4 million deal; and re-signed Drew Gooden, also to a one-year deal. Paul Pierce left via free agency after one season with the team and signed with the Los Angeles Clippers.
Beal, 22, played in 63 games last season for the Wizards, averaging 15.3 points, 3.8 rebounds and 3.1 assists, while hitting 41% from three-point range in helping Washington reach the playoffs for the second straight year.
Beal, who was drafted with the third overall pick in the 2012 NBA draft, has averaged 15.6 points, 3.8 rebounds and three rebounds per game in his three seasons.
- Scooby Axson
